Isaan gym continues to produce champion fighters

An Oldham Thai Boxing gym continues to produce champions as Mason Booth, representing Ste Donnelly's Isaan Muay Thai gym, won the WMO British bantamweight title on the Muay Thai Monarchs show at Wigan's DW stadium.

Meanwhile, brothers Brayden and Caelen Watson also had major wins with Brayden, 18, taking the WMO British title at super welterweight on a show in Chorley and Caelen, 13, stopping a Scottish opponent at Barnsley Metrodome to win his age group’s British title.

'I've trained as a Thai boxer for eight years and had seven fights these past twelve months," said Booth, 22.

"I won silver at the Bangkok WMF World Championships and now I'm a British champion.

"A lot can happen in a year and I'm just getting started."

"Mason defeated Harvey King-Everton from Johnson’s Muay Thai gym in Preston so a Lancashire derby," explained coach Donnelly.

"This was their third encounter with one previous win each.

"In Wigan there was lots on the line for both fighters, but Mason got the win by split decision.

"It's been his most successful year to date and we're proud of him given his commitment to the intensive training required. Mason has lots of potential for future success."

Booth lives in New Moston and trains in Oldham most days.

He said: "I prepared well for this mentally and physically and there are sacrifices to make in training camp.

"I wanted to win this fight in memory of my mate Guy who passed away recently.

"It’s been hard putting my emotions to the side during training, but I had a job to do, and all those emotions spilled out after the decision was given.

"It was a special day that I’ll never forget."

"I was proud to have got a unanimous decision win," said Brayden Watson, "defeating Connor Lewis from Johnson's Muay Thai in Preston who’s eleven years my senior.

"My dad got Caelen and me into the sport.

"I started aged four at a local club and as a junior I became UK amateur number one for age and weight with over 120 bouts.

"The highlight was winning the prestigious WBC English and WMO British titles.

"I’ve been training for 14 years now."

At 16, Brayden joined the adult ranks and quickly established himself when in Bangkok in 2023 he won gold in the WMF world championships.

He said: "I broke my foot in the first-round, but stopped my opponent from Uzbekistan with a knee to the head getting me the gold medal.

"I followed this up in 2024 with a bronze.

"I’ve won five of my six professional bouts including one last September when I won the WMF 66kg European title and then at Barnsley Metrodome I defeated a Belgian fighter by unanimous decision to become 68kg champion."

Earlier this year apprentice plasterer Brayden spent six weeks at the Tiger Muay Thai and MMA gym in Phuket where he ‘enjoyed being intensively coached by Jonny Betts the so-called ‘English Octopus’ and sparring with elite fighters from many countries which prepared me effectively for the WMO bout.

"Training has given me confidence, and I love everything about competing." 

Brayden will be meeting a Yorkshire opponent in Barnsley on July 12 to compete for the WMF European title.

Younger brother Caelen, who attends Saddleworth Secondary, has been training for five years.

"My sons benefit massively from Muay Thai. They keep fit and disciplined with opportunities to travel and meet new friends," said dad Ian, 44.

"However, Muay Thai in Britain is self-funded.

"We’re grateful to Brayden’s generous sponsors Heavenly Bodies Fitness Club in Moorside, Taurus Cranes and Hoists Ltd. and Amigos Barbers in Springhead."

If interested in offering further sponsorship, or yourself training at Isaan, please call Ste Donnelly on 07873 663868 or email: info@isaangym.co.uk

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